2009 English
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In the beginning, there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet . . .
That's the old story everyone knows and loves. But now the Carpet is home to many different tribes and peoples and there's a new story in the making. The story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet. The story of power-hungry mouls - and of two Munrung brothers, who set out on an amazing adventure.
It's a story that will come to a terrible end - if someone doesn't do something about it. If everyone doesn't do something about it . . .
Co-written by Terry Pratchett, aged seventeen, and master storyteller, Terry Pratchett, aged forty-three.
Grade 5-8-Imagine a vast continent right below your feet. Terry Pratchett's The Carpet People takes listeners to a world filled with emperors, kings, and hardworking folk. Best known for his fantasy series Discworld, Pratchett has rewritten his first book, published when he was 17. In this thoroughly British import, the domain of The Carpet People is bordered by places such as "Wainscot" to "Hearthland." The minuscule "true human beings" who live in the carpet must contend with power hungry Muols overtaking the kingdoms that abound among the carpet fibers. Another constant concern is Fray, a whirlwind of destruction that sounds a lot like someone vacuuming. An amusing cast of characters is led by brothers, Glurk and Sbibril. They are leaders of the Munrungs clan and are looking for new homes after an attack by Fray. This fantasy has lots of encounters with danger and intervals with strangers who have mysterious powers. Richard Mitchley does an outstanding job of imbuing each of the characters with a vivid persona, a difficult task since there are so many characters. This audiobook is attractively and durably packaged in a vinyl book style case with information about both the book and the narrator. The cassettes are clearly marked, and there are listener prompts when each side ends. Though the long list of characters and places make The Carpet People more challenging in an audio format, it will fit very comfortably in both school and public libraries collections.
Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"Only a writer with a masterstroke of imagination could place an entire empire of goodies and baddies within the fronds of a carpet" Daily Mail "Mouth-watering attention to names and place names... adding greatly to the story's enjoyment factor. The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate. He wastes no time. There is little padding. The swiftness of the storyline is everything... For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction" The Junior Bookshelf "Wacky, weird stuff which should make you think twice about crossing the living room!" TV Hits Magazine "It's a winner" School Librarian